Germany World Cup Squad: Klose the only Forward; Schmelzer Dropped

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Coach Joachim Low has announced the final 23 man Germany squad. BVB defender Schmelzer has been dropped because of the injury concerns while Klose is the only number 9 in the squad.

Hoffenheim forward Volland, defender Shkodran Mustafi and left back Marcel Schmelzer, are the three players left out of the final squad after being included for a training camp in Italy.

Borussia Dortmund left back Marcel Schmelzer has been struggling with injuries for the whole season and also missed his sides’ 2-2 draw against Cameroon yesterday.

Germany coach Joachim Low was not satisfied with the fitness levels of the BVB man and opted to left him out.

Miroslav Klose, 36, is the only out and out striker of the Germany squad as the exclusion of Hoffenheim striker Volland comes as a big surprise. Now I the absence of any deputee for Klose, Mario Gotze and and Thomas Muller are expected to fill in the role of a striker.

Low stressed that all his best wishes are with the trio who missed the ticket to Brazil and their international career is not over yet. “The players did what I hoped for and made the decision incredibly difficult. Shkodran, Kevin and Marcel are very disappointed.

“Hans Flick and I told the players in a personal interview. All three players have the chance to play in some big tournaments in their careers.”

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is also not completely recovered from his injuries yet but they have been included in the squad.

Low said after making the squad announcement that he is very satisfied with the training sessions and happy with the commitment of his players.

“I was amazed at how all the player presented themselves in Tyrol,” Low said. “Each individual worked excellently.

“I am 100 per cent convinced of all the players, we have the right mix of young and talented footballers and players with tournament experience. With this squad, we fly to Brazil with confidence, where he have big goals.”

“It is a balanced squad and with two players available for every position,” Low said.

“Our players have character and the team has character. We will travel with this squad to Brazil with a lot of confidence because we have set big targets.”